Semiconductor Apparatus Preset Signal Timing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor apparatuses with lowered power supply voltage, internal circuits require optimal timing for presetting to ensure stable operations at power on, as existing techniques use the same preset signal for all circuits, leading to compromised timings and insufficient margins for initial operations.
Innovation Solution
The semiconductor apparatus employs different preset signals with varying timings for the internal power supply voltage generating circuit and internal circuits, allowing each circuit group to be optimized for operation timing, accelerating the rise of the internal power supply voltage, and suppressing current consumption by stopping operations when the voltage rises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same preset signal is used for all internal circuits, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operation timing optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The preset signal is segmented into multiple types (first preset signal for power supply voltage generating circuit, second preset signal for internal circuits) with different timing characteristics. This segmentation allows each circuit to receive appropriately timed preset signals, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and initial operation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The preset signal timing is made dynamic by introducing multiple preset signals with different effective periods. The first preset signal has a longer effective period to accommodate the slower power supply voltage generating circuit, while the second preset signal has a shorter effective period suitable for faster internal circuits. This dynamic timing approach optimizes reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the power supply voltage is lowered for miniaturization, then the device size is reduced, but the power supply voltage stability during power on is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Preliminary action is applied by providing a first preset signal to the power supply voltage generating circuit before the internal circuits. This preset signal accelerates the generation of internal power supply voltage at power on, ensuring that the power supply voltage is stable before internal circuits are activated. This preliminary voltage stabilization is crucial for maintaining reliability in low-voltage miniaturized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides beforehand cushioning by extending the effective period of the first preset signal to cover the entire voltage generation process. This ensures that even if voltage generation is delayed or slowed, the preset signal remains active to maintain stability, preventing operational failures in miniaturized low-voltage circuits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the preset signal effective period is extended to cover voltage generation, then the voltage generation stability is improved, but the current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The preset signal is segmented into two distinct signals with different effective periods: the first preset signal for the power supply voltage generating circuit with extended duration, and the second preset signal for internal circuits with shorter duration. This segmentation allows the first signal to maintain voltage stability throughout generation while the second signal consumes less energy for brief internal circuit initialization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality characteristics are applied to different preset signals: the first preset signal has extended effective period and higher energy provision for voltage generation, while the second preset signal has shorter effective period and lower energy consumption for internal circuits. This local quality differentiation optimizes both stability and energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a first internal voltage generation circuit generating a first internal voltage in response to an external power supply voltage, a second internal voltage generation circuit generating a second internal voltage in response to the external power supply voltage, the second internal voltage being different in voltage level from the first internal voltage, and a preset signal generation circuit responding to a power-on of the external power supply voltage to the device and generating, independently of the first internal voltage, first and second preset signals that bring the first and the second internal voltage generation circuits into respective initial states, the preset signal generating circuit stopping generation of the first preset signal when the external power supply voltage reaches a first voltage level and stopping generation of the second preset signal when the external power supply voltage reaches a second voltage level different from the first voltage level.